January 5: National Bird Day

On January 5 the United States celebrates National Bird Day.  This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the topic with elementary students that encourages good literacy practice. 

 There are poetry books that feature birds, like Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion and illustrated by Robert Meganck.  Our students marvel at the various types of birds and how they behave.  It is perfect for readers to ask questions that could lead to further research about what interests them.

A favorite non-fiction picture book on birds is Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Steve Jenkins.  Our students were challenged to build a nest out of a bag of recycled materials.  It was a fun and engaging STEM activity.

You can also go the narrative, fiction route with picture books that feature birds. 

Our students love Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Matt Davies.

Graphic novels that feature birds include the Bird & Squirrel series by James Burks, which our students love to read.

Or if you have older readers, upper elementary through middle school, you may suggest a popular chapter book, Pablo and Birdy by Alison McGhee and illustrated by Ana Juan.  This is a mysterious book that was nominated for our state's book award, the William Allen White Book Award.